Split-the-Gates Combo

🖼️ Visual Guide

🎯 Objectives

• •Pass with the inside of the foot and point the non-kicking foot at the target.
• •Prepare the ball with the first touch so the next action is easy.
• •Move after the pass to create a new lane or support angle.

🎒 Equipment Needed

1 ball per pair or triangle, 8-14 cones to mark passing gates and starting spots, and bibs to organize teams. Use two cone colors so you can change directions or targets with simple visual cues.

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📐 Setup

Create triangles or short passing patterns with one cone gate and one support cone. Players work in groups of three so they learn to pass and then move into a new angle. Introduce support angles, timing, and body position without over-coaching every rep.

📋 How to Run It

1. 1Set up an 18x20 yard rectangle using triangles or passing lanes with gates.
2. 2Tell players they are moving the ball through gates and into the next space with timing.
3. 3The passer plays through the gate, follows the pass, and opens up at the next cone to receive again.
4. 4Receivers take their first touch across the body before making the next pass.
5. 5Run both directions and add a race for the group that completes the pattern cleanly the most times.

💡 Coaching Tips

• •Ask for firm passes that stay on the ground unless the drill clearly calls for a bounce.
• •Coach the first touch before demanding more speed from the pattern.
• •Use the words 'pass, move, open up' so players do not watch their pass.
• •Freeze the drill briefly if body shape or passing line breaks down, then restart fast.

🔄 Variations

• •Easier: shorten the distance or remove the movement after the pass.
• •Harder: add a follow-the-pass movement or a different target gate each round.
• •Team challenge: count the number of clean sequences completed in 90 seconds.